Buying Riverfront Property From a Legal Perspective

Riverfront property can be some of the most beautiful - yet financially dangerous - real estate on the market.

I originally began researching these issues after a client asked me to investigate a riverfront property they were considering purchasing. The property appeared to be a dream purchase: scenic views, direct river access, and an existing structure the listing suggested could potentially become a residence. But after extensive due diligence, the reality was very different.

Most of the parcel fell within a FEMA-regulated floodway, and many of the assumptions surrounding future development and permitting were incorrect. What initially appeared to be a valuable residential opportunity carried major legal, regulatory, environmental, and permitting restrictions that dramatically impacted the property's actual value.

That experience became the foundation for this guide.

Buying Riverfront Property From a Legal Perspective was created to help buyers understand the hidden issues that often exist beneath the surface of riverfront real estate — including floodway restrictions, FEMA regulations, buildability concerns, permitting limitations, habitat protections, insurance implications, access issues, and redevelopment risks.

If you are considering purchasing riverfront property, this guide could save you from making a six-figure mistake before you ever close on the property.

This PDF will cover:

-Floodway vs Floodplain Considerations

-How to Find Key Information About Your Property Through the County Records

-How To Research Though FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)

-Buildability Framework

-List of All Required Inspections (And Which Expensive Inspections Can Be Done

-30 Day Due Diligence Plan